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In 2010, Membertou First Nation , in Nova Scotia, entered into a joint-venture business partnership with GrupoGuascor , a global player in renewable energies technologies located in the Basque region of Spain. Together the groups formed Anaia Global Renewable Energies, a company that will market renewable energy across North America. Initial marketing efforts will focus on the Pacific Southwest of the United States and the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia.

The company offers a full range of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, bio-energy equipment and applications equipment designed specifically for small rural communities and remote parts of Canada and the United States.

Rodrigo Moura, Lead Business Director for Anaia Global Renewable Energies, says that Anaia is operated on the concept of a "treaty economy", based on partnership in equity, and the beliefs of transferring knowledge, creating jobs, sharing risks and involving the community in the partnerships. One of the keys to success is ensuring that Aboriginal people become owners of each project involving their community. The building of skills and capacities subsequently facilitates the creation of a regional hub for other renewable energies companies to do business, allowing long term success for communities.

The partnership between Membertou First Nation and GrupoGuascor embodies the values and ethics of the community according to Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul. "Membertou has worked for many years to create partnerships that build on innovations of today but still integrate the principles of respect for the environment, conservation and sustainability of resources. Partnering with GrupoGuascor has provided the opportunity to do this and stay true to our beliefs as a Mi'kmaq community."

Initial Experience to Take Place in Nova Scotia

In connection with the province of Nova Scotia's renewable electricity plan, Anaia Global Renewable Energies will help encourage development of renewable energy projects by First Nations and local municipalities. The Province's goal is to increase renewable energy projects by 25 per cent by the year 2015.

There are high expectations that the joint venture partnership will spawn other business opportunities. With new business ties made in the Basque region, other businesses from Spain are now looking into the North American market. This could have positive effects on other First Nations and Nova Scotia for future generations. "What is good for Membertou is good for Nova Scotia and what is good for Nova Scotia is good for Membertou," says Chief Paul.

Anaia Global Renewable Energies sets the tone for sustainable development's future. It recognizes the linkages between social, economic, and environmental factors that ensure a healthy and prosperous future for generations to come.

"A partnership based on the views and perspectives of the community is crucial to long term sustainable development. That involves working with the community so that it is central to the plan and can continue to build from it for future generations," says Moura. "We believe that the future success of Anaia Global is based on the sharing of the renewable energy experience with other bands together with Membertou".